Best Friend Forever combines dog ownership with dating, and while it manages to mechanically implement one element far more successfully than the other, it’s so full of heart that many of the flaws can be forgiven.

A masterclass in worldbuilding, the punk aesthetic of Umurangi Generation is a sight to behold. Snap your way through a series of increasingly provocative spaces, soaking in every facet of this incredible journey.

An interactive art piece using the language of video games to tell a deeply affecting story about life and memory. This hour long “hardcore walking sim” might mechanically push some away, but if you can move passed that, Promesa is unforgettable.

There is so much to like in this open-world tactics RPG. The battles are some of the best in the business. The world, while feeling somewhat empty, for the right kind of person is a wilderness ripe for spending hours upon hours getting into fights. With 45 hours on the clock by the time my goblins completed their quest, this juicy tale has become a favourite that I know I’ll return to time and time again.

Lithium City is the antidote to the massively mundane – an experience that cuts everything to the bone, producing a game in its purest form with a number one focus on having you feel like a badass. What’s not to love?

Where Habroxia tried and failed previously, Habroxia 2 excels. The game has made just the right decisions to turn itself into the top-tier retro-styled SHMUP that it’s predecessor had aimed to be.

Summerland is a fascinating little game from a budding young creator wanting to make games about something. Living ethically in a world where ethics can never be set in stone is something we have to do every day. Combine those two things into a short game with a thoughtful story, which you can play for free right now? Why not?

Rummaging through boxes full of files sounds like the most boring thing you could do in an interactive setting, but it turns out it can be more rewarding than pulling off a quadruple no scope 360 headshot kill. Colestia’s Cold War thriller packages up the mundanity of decades past into an incredibly rewarding few hours, perfect for those who love uncovering truths hidden and long forgotten.

No Reload Heroes: Enhanced Edition offers a different take on the arena shooter, but ultimately doesn’t offer much for those after a strong single player experience. For those who want something to throw on for younger or less-experienced players, you might get something out of it… at least in the short term.

Iris and the Giant is unassuming, but quietly brilliant. A positively beautiful turn- and card- based roguelike that won’t gobble up hundreds of hours of your life.

It might not be a game that lands for everyone, but if you’ve been emotionally stung by a painful relationship or are going through a breakup, Maquette might just be the salve to ease the pain.

Big Rumble Boxing is a love letter to Rocky and Creed that should make for great party gaming fodder. There isn’t much for solo boxers but for punching on with friends there is a lot of fun to be had.

Though hardly original, Arietta Of Spirits features a heart-wrenching, and compelling plot, mechanics, and world design that whilst lacking in originality, are nonetheless excellently designed and implemented

Ganryu 2 is a fantastic blend of elements from all manner of ninja side-scrollers. Now that a lot of bugs have been ironed out, it’s a retro must-play.

Despite the frame rate issues present, Rogue Lords is a game that can still be played and enjoyed by those with an interest in a turn-based combat Rogue-like. There is a huge difficulty spike when you find yourself on the wrong end of the RNG, but those that enjoy a challenge may enjoy finding ways to bend the game to their will.

There are some rough environments, and the game isn’t as long as I’d like, but I’ve learned so much from this experience that’s going to make me a better person, and hopefully makes the industry better too.

Just like the glamping experience, which is a dipped toe into the camping experience, Camped Out is a toe being dipped into the co-op chaos of the genre, and an endearing one at that.

If you’ve never really gotten into the cozy game scene, not touched the likes of Stardew, Story of Seasons, or all the rest, this is the one. If those are part of your favourites already, then prepare for a new one to join the list. Start here, and just be spoiled by something amazing. Take your time with it. Heck, even slow the game time down so you can get every second out of it possible.

The upgrades are all very welcome and the fact that all of the Outer Worlds content has been bundled into one package is also appealing. Once the performance issues have been sorted (hopefully soon) I have no doubt that this will be the best version of a game that is the best version of a particular game style. Until then though I have to say, buyer beware.

Rooftop Renegade is an accessible arcade runner with more depth than first appears, but won’t have a huge amount of longevity for those uninterested in challenging themselves.

If you’re patient enough to accept the 90’s experience, you can certainly have some fun with Terminal Velocity: Boosted Edition. But if you’re not, then the lack of attention and polish makes it tough to justify going back too.

A visual novel with a rich story that tackles difficult subjects whist dealing with a storm of emotions.

As it is now, it is like a dish or song that is missing that little something to bring it to the next level but its still perfectly enjoyable as it is. At least, for a short time.

A game that is both the prime example of a poor PC port and wasted potential, Monster Jam Showdown is just too broken at this point in time to even contemplate despite the underlying gameplay being quite a bit of fun.

Ale & Tale Tavern is a mess of mechanics and writing. There’s some fulfillment to be had if you can sift through the rough bits, but I was left with an empty stomach and maybe a bout of gastro.

It is hardcore (and genuinely challenging), but the light, rhythmic feel of gameplay moderates the experience. Dungeons of Dreadrock is slated to be a trilogy. You can absolutely count on me playing one hundred more levels.

Tri Breaker builds upon a solid foundation to deliver a brick breaking experience that is a must-play for long standing genre lovers.

Overall, Everholm is a slightly spooky farming sim packed full of content and adorableness. I’ve already dedicated many hours to decorating my isometric homestead and solving mysteries in this beautifully crafted environment, and I’m not done yet.

This is not so much an experience as Wonka, but a Wonka Experience. No unknowns are waiting around the corner, but mathematics, chemistry, and disappointment.

Dinkum is a solid addition to the farming sim genre and will especially appeal to players who love decorating and terraforming, but it also has some glaring gaps that are difficult to look past.

If you can figure out how to balance the environment systems and survive the winter, Of Life and Land offers an enjoyable settlement-building experience.

No Way Home takes the frenetic action of a twin-stick shooter and marries it to a space-faring adventure, but while these two concepts should make for a thrilling experience combined, the final result is sadly less than the sum of its parts.

Addictive and engaging in a way that not many games can lay claim to, Monster Train 2 is a must buy for anyone looking for that perfect roguelike experience.

Despite all the warts, the original STALKER trilogy is still incredible. By extension, these games are also incredible, but they’re held back by some weird choices, strict modding guidelines and some rough optimisations. Time will tell how they turn out.

Against the Storm is nothing short of a revelation. The perfect marriage of a City Builder with a Roguelike and a game that is sure to become your next addiction.

Not only is it full of bugs, glitches and physics problems, it treats the sport it is trying to emulate with utter disdain and contempt. Rugby League 26 is more than a bad video game, it approaches its target audience with disrespect.

For every fun mechanic Return from Core has to offer, it comes with an equally frustrating or confusing system. The best parts of Return from Core could be found with more depth in other games, and the unique elements of this game are lacking polish.

I hope Kaizen aren’t done with Promise Mascot Agency, because even though the credits rolled, I’m not quite ready to say goodbye to Kaso-Machi.

While rough around the edges, the Roguelike core of Star Fire: Eternal Cycle provides the hit that keeps the player coming back for one more run.

Fans of the series will enjoy testing themselves against the orc hordes on the new maps, along with the added rogue-like elements, but between the lack of a real narrative to keep players engaged and difficulty increases that only equate to increased health for enemies, it is not likely to be as fondly remembered as some of its predecessors.

If spatial puzzles with colour-mixing seem like something you would enjoy, then Shroomtopia is an easy win.